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Teachers, retirees urge Caddo Parish board to reject health‑plan changes and adopt permanent raises
Summary
Teachers, retirees and union representatives used the executive committee’s public‑comment period to press the board to withdraw proposed increases to insurance premiums and copays, citing medical hardship and calling for permanent pay raises after years without cost‑of‑living adjustments.
A large group of teachers, retirees and union leaders urged the Caddo Parish School Board’s executive committee on Nov. 18 to reject proposed health‑insurance changes they said would shift costs onto employees and undermine recruitment and retention.
Aubrey Garcia, speaking as a representative of the Caddo Association of Educators, said educators have not received a permanent cost‑of‑living raise since 2017 and described proposed increases — including a 7.5 percent premium hike and higher emergency‑room copays — as “nothing less than a permanent pay cut.” She said a family plan could rise by roughly $53.70 per month under the proposal and asked the board to clarify vague language about retiree plan changes.
Several retirees and current employees — including Linda Thomas, Marybeth James and Deborah Hunter — described difficulty affording care. Thomas said cancer treatments and prescription costs often leave her unable to fill needed medications. Marybeth James, a retired bus driver, asked why retirees should “take such a big hit” when they lack other incomes. Jordan Thomas of Red River United said the district has raised premiums repeatedly in recent years while offering no permanent salary increases.
Superintendent Matt Burton and staff acknowledged concerns and presented details elsewhere in the meeting about an alternative Medicare Advantage option for eligible retirees that administrators said reduces retiree premiums and preserves access to physicians who accept Medicare. Staff said that choice is voluntary, that parental and patient consent would be required for medical services, and that the Medicare Advantage agreement is annual and can be revisited.
Board members pressed staff for more information on eligibility, the extent of voluntary enrollment, and how savings projections were calculated. Several speakers asked the board to prioritize a long‑term pay schedule adjustment rather than one‑time stipends.
The executive committee did not take a final vote on insurance changes during the work session; the items were placed on the Nov. 18 full‑board agenda for consideration.
The board is expected to discuss insurance plan design and any final approvals at the regular meeting following this work session.
